Treffer: Making Spaces for Women Writers in the English Department Syllabi at the University of Dhaka (1921-2023)

For any educational programme to be successful, it is essential to have a well-planned and comprehensive syllabus that fosters inclusivity and positive motivation. In my paper, I am going to examine the BA syllabi from the inception of the department to the present times, 1921-2023, to trace the inclusion of women writers. To gather information, I depended on documents such as, the Dacca (The earlier spelling of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, was Dacca.) University Calendar, Annual Reports, departmental syllabi, book chapters and journal articles. Interviews and phone conversations with teachers and students were held to gain specific information. This paper provides insights into the predicament of women writers and their writings in a society that has underrepresented them and often discouraged diversity and inclusivity. In addition, it identifies the period during which the shifts in their representations took place and delves into the ideological underpinnings that worked behind their inclusion/exclusion from the syllabi.

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